“The mission of Department of Performing Arts is to lay a foundation for our students in the theatrical principles, techniques, and practices which will help them to realize their potential not only as artists but also as human beings.” – Department Mission Statement

The Department of Performing Arts is situated in the J. William and Mary Diederich College of Communication, and this arrangement serves our students well.  This can work especially well for our management students – as the expertise gained from other areas in the college can directly impact the skills necessary in management.  Areas such as Public Relations, Advertising, Organizational Communication (in Communication Studies), or the study of Corporate Communication all have direct linkages to the world of theatre management.

Whether a student is interested in stage or production management, or in the world of arts administration, there are ample opportunities to apply their talents in the main stage season.  Student stage managers become involved in the productions from the very beginning; working closely with faculty and other students to learn and enhance the stage management skills and professionalism needed in the role.  It is not uncommon for student stage managers to stage manage 3 – 4 realized main stage productions in their time at Marquette.  Additionally there are numerous student driven opportunities to allow stage managers to apply the skills learned in the classroom. 

Students interested in arts administration have worked closely with the Department Chair to facilitate the operations of the theater, work with audience service, and help develop promotional planning for a season.  Students have also created interdisciplinary majors to take advantage of the offerings in the College of Business to strengthen their experiences. 

Our management students frequently have internships with the numerous professional theater and arts organizations in the Milwaukee area.  These experiences have been parlayed into employment with Cirque du Soleil, The Goodman Theater, Utah Shakespearean Festival, Milwaukee Chamber Theater, Milwaukee Shakespeare Theater, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Gaiety School in Dublin, Next Theatre in Chicago, and Public Television stations.  Our graduates are stage managers, producers, general managers, education directors, and casting directors.  Their success can be found in the multitude of experiences provided by the Marquette education.

Performance Season 2008-09

Moon Over Buffalo

The Cherry Orchard

Theatre for Young Audiences

Heidi Chronicles

Spitfire Grill

Alternative Theatre Festival

Box Office

Subscriptions

Department of Performing Arts Mission